Phillips used his experience coaching Doug Flutie as a model for why Manziel can be successful in the NFL.

“I had [Doug] Flutie,” Phillips said. “And I had him at the end of his career. He was a lot older at that time, but those kinds of guys who can make first downs when you’re not supposed to, I think they give you something.” Phillips said.

“I just like the way he plays,” Phillips added later. “I think he makes plays that nobody else can make.”